Richard Russwurm Clark Sr.

Richard “Dick” Russwurm Clark, Sr., age 80, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024. He was born on October 2, 1943 in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late Beaula Mae Clark and William “Bill” Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Billie Ann Abrams. Dick is survived by his brother, Jerry Clark, his former wife of 35 years and the mother of his six children, Sharon Clark, and his current wife, Deborah Clark. He is also survived by his six children, twenty grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Dick enlisted in the Marines out of high school like his big brother, Jerry. He served admirably until he was discharged after it was learned he suffered from retinitis pigmentosa, which is a genetic eye disease. He returned to Nashville and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Clark. Together, they built a happy home for their family. Dick worked his way through undergraduate at Middle Tennessee State University and subsequently obtained his law degree at the Nashville School of Law. He was elected to the Tennessee State House of Representatives in 1972 at the age of 29 years old. He served admirably in the House until 1996. After his political and legal career ended, Dick played an instrumental role in establishing Foundations Clinic and Dual Diagnosis Management with his two partners and friends, Bob Nash and Mike Cartwright.

Dick dedicated his professional life to advocacy and assistance for the working man. His blindness never stopped him from reaching his goals. He was one of the most influential labor legislators in the State of Tennessee throughout his 25 years of service. During his time with Foundations and Dual Diagnosis Management, he was an advocate for people that suffer from mental illness and addiction. He was a good man that will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be held August 13th from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee. A Celebration of Life will began at 2:30 PM with burial to follow.